Junta charges resistance forces in Tanintharyi Region under Election Protection Law

In Myanmar’s southernmost Tanintharyi Region, opponents of the upcoming junta-led election were charged under a newly enacted law presented as a measure to protect the vote.

On July 29, coup leader Min Aung Hlaing introduced the 'Law on the Protection of Multiparty Democratic Elections from Obstruction, Disruption and Destruction', commonly known as the Election Protection Law. Members of the Myeik-based resistance group Daung Nat (Black Peacock) are now being prosecuted under this law.

At Kanmaw Village Police Station in Kyunsu Township, Myeik District, junta authorities have filed cases in absentia against 50 Daung Nat members, led by Ko Thein Min Zaw, under Sections 24(A) and 24(B) of the Election Protection Law.

The cases were filed after Daung Nat members sent threatening letters on November 11 to administrative officials and election subcommittee members in Kyunsu Township villages of Metaw, Okehpomaw, Sandarnge, Gyonegyonekya, Chaungnyiko, and Chaunggyiwa, warning them not to cooperate with the junta’s election, according to junta sources.

A local People's Defence Team (PDT) officer confirmed to NMG that Daung Nat is a resistance group operating and carrying out military activities in Kyunsu Township.